We arrived at Arnold's at ~4:30 on a Saturday afternoon. There was a line out the door but it moved quickly and the weather was sunny and warm so we didn't mind the wait. My wife ordered the fish and chips and I ordered the whole belly clams basket. You order at the front counter and then you can sit at a table (it's a big place so there are lots of places to sit) and they call your name on a loudspeaker. My wife's fish was ~6 kinda small pieces that at first I thought were chicken tenders but they were indeed fish and she said they were very good - tasted fresh and had a nice light coating on them. My whole belly clams were a very generous portion of clams on top of a good portion of French fries. Since my stop the previous week at Surfside Seafood in Orleans (already reviewed on Google and Yelp) with a paltry portion of puny strip-like whole belly clams I was a little nervous about ordering clams even at a different restaurant but the serving at Arnold's was very large - absolutely no complaints from me! Very large clams, nicely fried and they all tasted great! I wasn't crazy about the fries - they were those twice-fried frozen fries that I've never been a fan of - I don't understand why restaurants don't make their own fries, especially if they have a good sized kitchen to do it in. The coleslaw was very good - maybe the best I've had on the Cape! They even put cranberries in it which added a fabulous texture to the slaw. Not overly wet with liquid, which is just the way I like my coleslaw and since my wife doesn't like coleslaw, I was able to have hers! Anyway, the food was very good! There wasn't any grease on the bottom of either of our plates, which is testament to their fryolators being clean and the oil being new and hot. We sat way in the back in the tent area and there was a nice young lady there who was cleaning tables as needed and she came by and asked if she could take our plates when we were done with our meal. Prices were reasonable - ~$65 for our two meals which as anyone who has eaten at a seafood restaurant on the Cape knows, is not bad at all. Besides the fries being very ordinary, I really enjoyed Arnold's and we will definitely be back. They have a very large parking lot and as others have noted, it's a cash only restaurant (they do have signs at the front counter indicating that there are two ATM machines on the premises). The entire staff there was friendly and welcoming and worked to make our visit an enjoyable one. read more

Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar - fried whole belly clams basket - Seafood Near Me - Eastham, Massachusetts

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When I mentioned to my friend who lives here that we were eating at Arnold's, his response was "Worst food on the Cape." I don't know about that because I'm only visiting, but it was certainly not worth the line or the price. Long wait, but then a very nice employee took our order. The food is meh. The outdoor tables are SO sticky. Tip jars everywhere, even after we already tipped well at the register. Lucky we had that much for the cash-only policy. It's not cheap & it's not good, so why go here? read more

Warm and friendly staff, great food.. had the fisherman's fried platter everything was done perfectly big portions , biggest portions on the cape.. saw everyone walking by onion ring loaf, had to try it was perfect.. read more

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This place sucks. Food overpriced, cold when it should be hot, hot when it should be cold. Seems like a scam, something to look into.

Unbelievably delicious seafood! Great service! Ice cream and mini golf added to our fun. read more

Arnold's is amazing. Stopped on the way to Provincetown for a bite and damn it was delicious ! Started off my seafood fest with huge prawns cocktail. Fresh and gigantic and the cocktail sauce perfect. Sometimes the over abundance of horseradish happens but not Arnold's it was spot on. Next was a cup of clam chowda, THICK & CREAMY plus loaded with potatos and pieces of clam bits just the way I love it. My entree was fish n chips... Battered pieces of fish with a serving of fries I splashed it was some fresh squeezed lemon and tartar sauce and enjoyed till the last bite.. The outdoor seating was fantastic due to being an amazing summer day on the cape . Service a was exceptional with zero complaints. Folks ARNOLDS is just an amazing seafood dining spot, you'll need to taste for yourself. read more

Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar - Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail - Seafood Near Me - Eastham, Massachusetts

This place really surprised me! After a beach day alot of people head over here I noticed. It has indoor and outdoor seating but alot of it so you don't have to wait long for a table. I got a lobster roll and it was super good! Also the onion rings were the best cause they were a light coating( thin slices) and not your typical one heavily fried one! My fam and I couldn't each them all cause they give you a huge stacked up portion of them. Would be nice if they had a small vs large option when ordering. Someone in my fam got a fried shrimp basket which they enjoyed and I thought the shrimp was good as well. Another person in my fam got a hot dog which was ok. Overall I loved this place and would come back for sure. read more

I'm not sure why there is always a line for this place. We've driven past many times and decided to try it. The food was just ok. We went once and never went back. There are many other fried seafood places in the area that are better. The staff was friendly. read more

I've been coming to the Cape for 30 years, and Arnold's is always a much anticipated dinner out. Quintessential and iconic, this place knows how to serve up mouth-watering fried seafood, onion rings, and lobster rolls that will make you weak in the knees. Order at the counter and while waiting for your name to be called, enjoy a cocktail or beer on tap from their small, but exceptionally well-stocked bar. Plentiful seating at picnic tables under awnings or en plein air. If you're going to hit up a seafood shack, you can't do better than Arnold's. Cash only. read more

You must order the onion rings!! Arnold's has every kind of seafood you could imagine, an ice cream spot, and mini golf. We ordered the lobster roll, tuna roll, grilled chicken sandwich and onion rings. Everything was so fresh and delicious. I recommend getting here when they open to avoid the long lines. However, it's worth the wait. They have plenty of seating with picnic tables in the back. read more

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Best food in the area! Lobster rolls are fabulous . A bit oricy but worth every penny! Great atmosphere!

Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar is one of the restaurants in the Cape that my family & I typically visit every year in the summer. We've always enjoyed our food from here and never had any issues. I love getting their clam chowder, hot butter lobster roll, clam bellies, and crab cakes! Everything always has great flavor and tastes fresh... cannot complain. As for the price of their food, I mean, yes it's pricey but are the places down the street not matching that same energy? I almost feel like $30ish for a lobster roll is standard nowadays in the Cape & in Maine, but I digress. After grabbing a bite from Arnold's, we like to head outside, get some ice cream, and do their mini golf course. Will continue going here and am excited for my next visit when they reopen again in the spring/summer! read more

Always a 5 star experience/meal! So much better than the other places on the Cape. We love the onion rings, fried scallops and shrimp. Seating - there is indoor seating, covered outdoor seating, shady outdoor seating and sunny outdoor seating. Outdoor seating is on wooden picnic tables. Parking - big parking lot. Dog friendly and there's a fountain for dogs to get water! read more

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This is one of the most known places as you head up the Cape and while the food is fresh, the warm buttered lobster roll didn't blow me away. The roll itself was a stale hot dog bun that crumbled after each bite. The fries were clearly not cut from potatoes and had a mealy texture. The onion rings looked amazing but I didn't see them until my way out. Be forewarned that this is a cash only restaurant. read more

Mini golf-5/10 Food 8/10 Came for the golf, stayed for the food. The mini golf was classic, but the holes were raised so when you were actually putting the balls often lipped out. Now you may say, "hey, you're just bad at mini golf" which may be true but my boyfriend and I typically hit par or better and we both struggled on this course. the food was solid, I wish there were some flavor butter options but I think that may be asking too much. Fries were awesome as well. The warm roll came in at $33 which is a bit high for what I'm used to but it tasted pretty good. Both mini golf and food are cash only so make sure you have that on hand! read more

Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar - Warm Lobster Roll - Seafood Near Me - Eastham, Massachusetts

I know Arnold's is an institution, and the amount of people waiting in line here to eat clearly shows it, but tweak just a few small things, and it would have changed our whole experience. The line out into the parking lot was deep, but the speed of the line wasn't bad, I think we waited only 20 minutes to order our food, with 35-45 people ahead of us. Copious menus available to look over the menu before ordering and being flustered at the cashier. The cashiers were very nice too. Placed our order, gave a name, had someone in our party grab a table as they're physically disabled, and I waited for the food. Took maybe 10 minutes, grabbed it, got water, and went over to the table. Food: -Clam chowder - good, not incredible, the broth needed a little something maybe, perhaps a pinch more pepper, but would get again. -Lobster bisque - we were torn on this, it was good, but preferred the clam chowder -Lobster roll - good, the ratio of lobster to bun was off. Normally a lobster roll is insanely messy and falling off the bun, not here, the amount of lobster to bun was not a lot. But, it was delicious. -chicken tenders - honestly unsure why we went with this, but everyone on line was talking about them, so we got them. They were fine, too thin considering they were fried for too long and dried out, could easily be remedied. -onion rings - ok, damn, these were good. normally we like thicker cut onion rings, but these just worked, and a nice portion. would easily suggest and get again. -fried seafood platter - clams were fine, the calamari was fine, the shrimp was good, the scallops were very good, and the codfish was very good. Now, some of the food just being okay was one thing, bu there was one thing that made us not enjoy the meal overall. The tarter sauce is disgusting. Like, grocery store tarter sauce is better. I thought maybe it was the small handful we got with the food, but, I went back up and asked for more, nope, just really really bad tarter sauce. It tasted sour, we stopped using it as it made the food taste worse. Now, with this much fried food, you want good tarter sauce to dip it into, welp... now imagine a whole fried seafood platter and not having tarter sauce to dip into. Nope... Wouldn't come back for that reason, which I know sounds crazy, but my entire table agreed, how are people using this tarter sauce? It was that bad and ruined a large majority of the meal and experience. read more

The cheeseburger was meh, but that's what I get for ordering it at a seafood restaurant. Big place, casual dining experience. The cashiers were nice then they call your name over a speaker to come get your food! read more

Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar - Cheeseburger, World Famous Onion Rings, Lobster Special - Seafood Near Me - Eastham, Massachusetts

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Food was average for the area. Nothing special. We ordered baked scallops and while the quantity was generous several were gritty and not much flavor. The dinner came with steamed broccoli and cauliflower and rice Not a lot of choices if you don't want fried food. Self service to order and pick up food to eat in dining room and cash only, no credit cards. No music in dining room, listened to add for Sirius radio for 20 minutes. We asked them to change it or turn it off and took 10 minutes to finally hear silence read more

Great lobster roll at a great price and lots of other items to choose from! Great service as well.

Big succulent plates of fresh seafood. While waiting you can play miniature golf. Fried onions are sold in mounds. Great chowder. And afterwards, home made ice cream on the lot. Gets very busy but worth the wait. read more

Great vibe and great food! Went to Arnold's Fourth of July weekend and it was great! Had a group of 9 people split into four orders and it was all out within 15-25 minutes. However the wait for a steamed lobster was around an hour so we skipped that and stuck to the rolls and fried options. It is a CASH ONLY but there is an ATM inside. MUST gets are - clam chowder - fried shrimp - hot and cold lobster roll - onion rings read more

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First time visiting Arnold's. We started off with two lucky things happening to us. First, we got a great parking spot and second, we hit the line right at the best time. We waited, maybe, 5 minutes before ordering our dinner. I loved to see 2 registers opening and help around the front to get people in to order quickly. We ordered a fish sandwich, a grilled chicken sandwich and a clam plate with bellies, a side of onion rings and 4 drinks. After placing our order, we got our table inside and got ready to hear our name called. As we sat and chatted, it was amazing to see the crowd continue to come in and place their orders. Arnold's was clearly a favorite of many. Our name was called and we got our food. I split the clam plate, which was great! The chicken sandwich and veggie sandwich was great, too....but both thought they were getting fries, too. As you can see in the picture, it was just the sandwich and nothing to go with it. Luckily, we ordered a side of onion rings, which was good to go along with the two sandwiches. All of the food was excellent. The onion rings were really good but a bit salty for me. I would rate them in the my top 5 of all time but just a big too salty. Clearly they were home made....which is always a good thing! Plenty of parking Fast service with a smile Price was reasonable Clean and neat Free refills for drinks Ice cream is available, as well 5-stars read more

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Got the fried lobster and a lobster roll. Fried lobster was all knuckles and claw meat, just okay. Lobster roll said hot butter, but it was oil and butter, so no real flavor, and I really wanted lobster with drawn butter. For $80, not worth it. Didn't really enjoy this. read more

My dad for years told me to check this spot out. I don't know why I waited so long but after coming here for the first time I truly wish I had done it sooner. It's a different dining experience, you order like fast food but the food is top tier. Had a lobster with clam chowder and corn. Is was unreal. Girlfriend got the fish n chips, and a stuffed clam. Dude, so freaking good. I'll definitely come back next time I'm in the area. Staff is really cool. Arnold's is a really cool spot. Bring cash or check cause they don't take card! And the lines get long if you get there late so go there earlier if you can. read more

They wouldn't bring me my order. Food was airy. Loud, they kept saying my name.‍ -Paul H. read more

The seafood was absolutely fantastic but unfortunately, I will never go again purely because of the tartar sauce situation. It's egregious, and I would strongly recommend to Arnold that he improve its quality. With that being said, the food was good enough that it didn't necessarily NEED the tartar sauce - but regardless this is a personal dealbreaker. So if you are like me, avoid for now. read more

I was amazed at how clean and exciting the atmosphere is at Arnolds. The line moved quickly and the wait was not long to get the food. I ordered the seafood platter, it was delicious cooked perfectly and not greasy! I went back the next day for a lobster roll and steamers, it was the best i have ever had! Delicious highly recommend! read more

This place is famous in Cape cod. I'm not sure I would agree. We got their lobster roll--imagine lobster in a hot dog bun...and that's what you get for $39 for each lobster roll!! It was highly disappointing. The ambiance is like a county fair but with seafood. You have to stand in line to get your food then sit down, with no air conditioning. Lunch for two people was $90! (Jaw drop!) The restaurant is cash only, so bring your $50 bills! You will need them! read more

Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar - 2 lobster rolls and onion rings - Seafood Near Me - Eastham, Massachusetts

Famous and recommended but not sure we can agree.... Lobster is expensive, so when you ask for lobster rolls combo's and pay a premium for it, everything coming with your lobster lunch should be premium as well. The roll itself was dry and the lettuce clearly didn't have its best day. Fries were oily (wish I would taken a picture of the inside of the little basket), so the only item that matches the price-quality equivalent were the onion rings! Amount of lobster provided is barely ok, tastes so/so ... Oh and another bummer: CASH ONLY! Oh yes, thanks for the ATM where I have to pay an extra fee to get my money. I understand the business decision not to accept cards, but at least the service provided should not bring along an extra charge! read more

Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar - Lobster Special and onion rings - Seafood Near Me - Eastham, Massachusetts

First time, loved it! Fried clams were outstanding, such a light batter and so crispy. The lobster roll was delicious, with ample pieces of lobster, and the ice cream was so creamy and perfect! We loved it so much we came back the next day to eat there again! The staff is very hard-working and they have a great list of drinks! Can't wait till next year to go back there. read more

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The finest, the best, the most delicious, the clams, the shrimp!! 10 out of 10, would clam again!

Arnold's is apparently a local favorite seafood stop, so we stopped in on our seafood tour around the cape. We shared a hot lobster roll and half a dozen wellfleet oysters. This place is cash only! They have an ATM on the premises for those of us who don't carry around cash anymore, thankfully. You order most food items at one counter, and answer raw bar items at the raw bar which is all the way into the restaurant at the back end of the counter. They call your name over the intercom system from the main counter. On a Sunday afternoon it was not too busy and pretty fast. The hot lobster roll (~$33) is a toasted roll, with some lettuce, absolutely loaded with lobster, and a small tub of butter on the side for you to drizzle over the whole thing. It comes with a cup of cole slaw and either fries or potato chips (we went with fries). The lobster roll was really really good, lobster fresh and sweet, and only enhanced by the rich butter (as it always does). The cole slaw is an unsung hero and is lowkey one of the best cole slaws I have had(???, didn't know I cared about cole slaw that much). Fries are mcD style and decent. Wellfleet oysters (half dozen for $17) were juicy, fresh, and sweet with just a touch of brininess. Perfect! Parking is aplenty, as are tables. Atmosphere is relaxed. Overall definitely recommend stopping in for a bite if you're in the area. read more

Not good anymore. This last visit was horrible. The clam strips that I usually get are now greasy and bland. I had heard about the lower quality of the food from friends, but I had to try it for myself. I could not finish my portion as I was getting a bit of a stomach pain...most likely because of the grease. It is just not good to eat food that is so greasy....it's just not good for you. That was my LAST time I stop here. There are other places with great reviews that I will be trying next time. read more

I wish I noticed that the fisherman's platter served two! We came in and ordered a fisherman's platter (each) for three people. I was surprised to learn that each plate was ~$46... *then* the plates came out and then I wasn't surprised. Due to my negligence (again), I ordered a small order or whole belly clams not realizing there would already be some in the fisherman's platter. They were good and probably tasted of what whole belly clams should, but not necessary since it was included in the fisherman's platter. The food here was good, though could have used a dash of salt and a side or lemons. We settled for the malt vinegar on the table. The star of the show here was their coleslaw, which had apples and cranberries. YUM! I appreciated the ample seating - indoor and open air/outdoor options. I also appreciated the easy access to utensils, napkins, and to-go boxes! read more

Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar - The fisherman's platter for two, which I failed to realize. This was after I'd made a dent in it. No cigar! - Seafood Near Me - Eastham, Massachusetts

THE BEST FRIED SEAFOOD ON THE CAPE. Hands down. I've been living on the Cape my entire life and have tried all of the ones that claim to be the best. Arnold's doesn't claim to be because they don't have to. They just are. It's cash only so come prepared. Sit outside. I love their furthest back dining area right next to the mini golf course. We usually get the seafood platter for 2 which comes with all the goods. Always worth the money. Their fried oysters are my favorite. Everyone raves about the onion rings as well. Their fried lobster is also delicious. Weirdly enough, their beet salad is incredible. The only thing that I don't think is worth it is their clam chowder. It isn't that great. Otherwise, you'll love it all! read more

Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar - So much deliciousness! Large order of Fried Oysters (AMAZING), seafood platter for 2, onion rings, chowder & the Roasted Beet Salad - Seafood Near Me - Eastham, Massachusetts

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Yummy. Great spot for lobster/fish. We stopped for lunch every year on the way to our campsite.

I've been here most years since 1987, I think it deserves its accolades. You come here for the food, not the atmosphere or the crowds :/. it's a classic seafood shack but super sized. And they keep it clean and friendly. We're here today around 3... Between us we had lobster, fish and chips and steamers. These were the best and biggest steamer clams I can remember getting, one of them had to have around a 6 inch shell and was massive. Despite that not rubbery, not sandy. They know how to prep! Had some steamers elsewhere recently that were quite sandy. Lobster and fish were cooked beautifully. Very light slightly crispy batter on the fish which was clearly straight off the boat. Cole slaw is their own unique approach, quite colorful, incorporating apple and cranberry in a very light dressing. Outstanding first visit of the season! No crowds yet read more

Ordered large side order of fried whole belly clams, large fries, and their famous onions rings, and I was not disappointed. The ambiance was nice and the service was good. Probably the best seafood on Cape Cod. read more

Pretty good!!! The oysters were amazing at only a $1.00. I opted to get a grilled cheese because I've had a lot of fried food recently. read more

Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar - $1.00 oysters - Seafood Near Me - Eastham, Massachusetts

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One thing about living in MA/New England is that there is fortunately no shortage of clam shacks and lobster rolls (woohoo). Since there were so many reviews for Arnold's and most of them seemed to be solid, I thought I'd check it out. Unfortunately, it was pretty so-so--both the fried clams (I felt like I could taste more the oil than the clam itself) and the lobster roll--the bun was just... not that great at the price point. And it was pricy. If I am back in the area/at Arnold's, I am making a note to possibly check out their raw bar. But will likely try to check out other eats on the Cape. read more